The proposed Desert Rock Power Plant has drawn more than concerned letters in recent months. Dozens of protesters blocked access to the site in December and January. Though the blockade has ended, protesters continue their vigil at the site.

In early December, opponents alleged that Sithe Global Power and the Diné Power Authority, the plant’s proponents, had been illegally drilling test wells on the property. As a result, dozens of people set up camp and physically blocked access to the Desert Rock site. Shortly thereafter, protesters started getting harassed by unknown outside parties. The violence peaked when a tribal elders’ sheep dog was run over, skinned and thrown into the encampment.

Sithe Global finally produced permits confirming it was allowed to drill the test wells in mid-January, and the blockade ended. “They gave us the permits they

filed, but we’re still questioning the action,” said Lori Goodman, an organizer with Diné CARE. “We believe drilling 6,000-foot test wells is an action that should be considered under an environmental impact statement.”

And while Sithe Global is currently drilling its test wells, protesters continue to remain camped and active at the site. Goodman added that the blockade has been an overwhelming success, garnering national and international press on the proposed power plant and helping sway the opinions of several New Mexico legislators.

“It was the blockade happening that brought regional and national attention to the Desert Rock Power Plant,” she concluded. “If those people and the encampment hadn’t been out there in the cold, many people wouldn’t know about Desert Rock. The protesters deserve a lot of credit for doing that.”

– Will Sands